A massive manhunt is underway in the tribal belts of Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra as security forces close in on Paparao, a high-value Maoist target. This focused search operation is a critical component of the Indian government’s mission to declare the country free of Left-Wing Extremism by early 2026. Paparao, a seasoned commander with a 25 lakh rupee bounty, is currently the most significant fugitive in the Bastar region, and his capture is seen as a prerequisite for total peace in the area. According to senior police officials, Paparao’s current location is believed to be within the deep pockets of the Indravati-Abujhmarh belt. This vast, forested expanse has long been a difficult terrain for law enforcement, but the tide is turning. The fragmentation of Paparao’s squad is the clearest evidence yet of the success of recent counter-insurgency tactics. By cutting off supply lines and eliminating mid-level leaders like Dilip Bedja, the forces have forced top commanders into a desperate survival mode, moving in tiny groups to avoid detection.
